This article was originally published at: https://medium.com/@nadegeminois/the-secret-to-finishing-projects-even-when-youre-busy-852a266ee6e8

One of the hardest things in small business life?

Finishing what you start.

You get excited. You plan the project. You take the first steps.

And then… real life happens.

Client work gets in the way. Energy dips. Momentum fades. The project sits half-done.

Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. But here’s the secret:

Small, consistent progress beats big bursts every time.

You don’t need to work on your project for three hours a day. You just need to move it forward — a little — each week.

Here’s how:

1. Break it down. Avoid vague tasks like “work on launch.” Get specific: “Write the intro paragraph,” “Upload product photo,” “Schedule Instagram post.”
2. Block the time. Even one focused hour a week makes a difference. Put it in your calendar. Treat it like a meeting with your future self.
3. Track progress visibly. Use a board, a notebook, or sticky notes. Seeing things move to “done” creates momentum.
4. Review. Check what’s done, what’s next, and what’s getting in the way. Adjust — and keep going.
5. Celebrate micro-wins. Finished a page? Sent the email? Crossed something off? Pause and notice. Progress fuels progress.

Finishing doesn’t happen in a burst of motivation. It happens in small, intentional steps.

So ask yourself: what’s one thing you could complete this week?

Do it. Then do the next. That’s how projects finish — even when life is full.